Practical Nursing

This course introduces learners to the normal development, structures and functions of the human body. Learners will examine the physiological components of the human body in order to obtain understanding of how the structures and functions of the body are related.

Communications 1 is designed to enhance students’ writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills as required in academic and workplace settings. Emphasis will be placed on the use of appropriate structure, writing conventions, tone, and style as well as the enhancement of interpersonal, teamwork, and presentation skills. Topics covered include the three-step writing process, paragraph development, academic integrity, essay composition, grammar, and mechanics, A.P.A. and employment documents. Attention to detail is emphasized.

42 Hours

This general education course will provide students with an introduction to Canadian Indigenous Nations’ history, sovereignty, land titles, cultural history and current critical issues. Topics addressed include the content of Indigenous rights, economic and social development, community and political processes, and business law and policies, justice & social services. Canadian Indigenous History and Relations is a general education course that has been incorporated into all programs at Northern College.

42 Hours

This course will provide the learner with opportunities to apply concepts and knowledge gained in the classroom environment to clinical practice settings. The emphasis will be on the promotion of health and wellness of individuals throughout the lifespan. The learner will be introduced to various skills required by individuals in selected age groups through simulation, practice in laboratory and a paediatric teaching-learning experience. Students are expected to work independently to gain an understanding of medical terminology and basic mathematical skills.

In this course, students will engage in effective professional relationships with clients and colleagues. With a focus on communication skills, students will learn to: build therapeutic relationships, provide person-centered care, work within an interprofessional team, and manage conflict within the workplace. These skills will be taught with a sensitivity to diversity, values, beliefs, and cultural practices. Stress management techniques will be reviewed to highlight the importance of self-care when working in healthcare.

This course provides an introduction to the profession of nursing. It explores the philosophy of nursing, nursing theories, the evolution of nursing and the role of nurses in today’s society. Learners are introduced to nursing professionalism, Ontario’s regulatory body for nursing, and the importance of reflective practice in nursing. Learners will examine personal learning styles and teaching and learning. Health and nursing informatics are introduced and learners will gain skills in using electronic databases to find scholarly nursing literature. Nursing research is also introduced, and students have the opportunity to analyze nursing research studies and gain an understanding of the relationship between nursing theory, practice and research.

This course will introduce the learner to the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of health and healthy lifestyles. The dimensions of human needs will be explored with an emphasis on the significance of self-responsibility, culture and the change process.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

A continuation of Anatomy and Physiology I, this course continues with the study of the major body systems, from the nervous system to the reproductive systems. The unifying themes of the interrelationships of body organ system, homeostasis, and the complementary nature of structure and function will provide the basis for understanding the workings of the human body.

This course further explores the concept of health promotion and health protection with well individuals. Learners will gain basic assessment and nursing skills required to care for the individuals in selected age groups. The course will consist of three components: independent learning, laboratory practice and clinical experience within community agencies.

This course will provide the learner with the skills required to conduct a holistic health assessment for a normal healthy individual during all stages of the lifespan. The concepts of wellness, health promotion, health protection, and client teaching will be integrated throughout the course.

This course will focus on health promotion and health protection strategies for selected individuals across the lifespan related to individuals, families, groups and communities. This course will also examine the evolution of Canada’s health care system.

General Education Courses are selected online each semester by the student from a list provided and exposes students to a related area of study outside of their immediate academic discipline. Certain programs have predetermined electives. 

42 Hours

The focus of this course is on the pathophysiology of acute episodic and complex health challenges. The student will study the structural and functional changes that occur in the human body, the causes that lead to the challenges and the manifestations that result.

Using the nursing process this course introduces the learner to the concepts of pharmacology as selected drug groups are studied. The course will emphasize the role and responsibilities of the practical nurse in the administration and monitoring of client medications. This course is also designed to allow the learner to apply basic skills to safely calculate drug dosages.

This course will provide the learner with opportunities to examine the role of the practical nurse when caring for individuals with health challenges. The learner will utilize critical thinking skills to plan and implement holistic nursing care. This experience will take place in the laboratory setting and in a variety of medical-surgical areas.

This course will prepare the learner for entry into the workplace through exploration of leadership, conflict resolution and advocacy. Leadership and management roles within health care will be examined. The process of transition from student to nurse will be explored.

This course will focus on assisting the learner to develop an holistic approach to nursing. A variety of approaches to learning will be utilized and critical thinking strategies will be emphasized as the learner explores the care of individuals and families experiencing and/or predisposed to acute health challenges in a variety of life situations.

Continuing from PN1014, this course focuses on episodic and chronic health challenges. The structural and functional changes and the manifestations that result from alterations in the following body systems will be explored: genitourinary, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, integumentary, sensory and mental health.

This course is a continuation of Pharmacology I. More selected drug groups are studied. The focus of this course is still on the role and responsibilities of the practical nurse in the administration and monitoring of client medications. The mathematical skills to safely calculate drug dosages are still required for this course. This course utilizes experiential learning therefore, classroom activities will focus on the interactions, which take place between and among the learners. The facilitator will guide learning in the role of the expert learner as everyone actively participates in learning activities. To positively contribute to the group process you are expected to come prepared for discussion and discovery. This interactive process requires your attendance for all activities.

In this course the learner will continue to develop a holistic approach to nursing. A variety of approaches to learning will be utilized. Drawing upon knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, physical assessment, the therapeutic nurse-client relationship and clinical experience to date, learners will employ critical thinking skills to better understand the clinical manifestations, diagnostic process, nursing assessment and care of clients who are experiencing selected acute and or chronic mental and physical health challenges, includes individuals, families, groups and communities.

This course will provide the learner with opportunities to examine the role of practical nurse when caring for individuals who require supportive, rehabilitative and palliative care. The learner will also be exposed to individuals with mental health challenges. Critical thinking skills will be refined to plan and implement holistic nursing care. This experience will take place in the laboratory setting and in a variety of medical-surgical settings.

This experience will take place in nursing practice settings, which will be selected through a collaborative approach to meet the student’s learning needs. The experience will consist of one eight-week experience either in an acute care setting or a chronic care setting. The focus will be to consolidate learning and to function independently when caring for clients and their families in situations where the number of variables is limited and the outcome tends to be predictable. During this practicum, the student will work with a preceptor. Upon completion, the learner will be ready to graduate as a beginning caring, competent practitioner.